I came across a detailed Eastern Han dynasty tomb carvings, that showed a peculiar way to hold the longsword. What I discovered was a pleasant surprise for drawing the sword.
Some Japanese Iai practitioners will draw by extending the sheathed sword in front of them from the belt and then "peel" the scabbard back as they draw forward. This also tends to leave the drawn sword naturally in a defensive posture. Similar to what you've hit upon here. Very well presented!
Interesting! I love this channel, keep up the good work. This reminds me of something along the lines of Scholagladiotora or Skallagrim except focused on chinese swordsmanship and history. You clearly put a lot of effort into these videos and it shows. Looking forward to whatever you release next.
I think you just solved the sword-drawing mystery you brought up in part two of the roaring dragon video. So much easier and makes perfect sense; drawing from the hip or the back is just too cumbersome and slow. Loving and appreciating your content sir.
That's insanely awesome, seeing you deconstruct all the cultural clues. I can't wait for more sword/spear reviews!!! Some hanfu videos would be cool as well
Swords were seldom ever worn on the back historically, and even when they were it was only to get them out of the way while climbing or just traveling long distances or places where wearing it on the side would be cumbersome, it would be slung in a way that could allow it to be swung down to the side for easier drawing. The form shown in the video is perfect... I know Shadiversity made a scabbard that allows it to be drawn from the back, but the problem with that is how the back scabbard is then ineffective in protecting the sword blade from the elements...
Thank you for this, I'm on the verge of buying a Two handed Chinese sword ( still not set of Jain or dao) but regardless I was wondering how to draw some of these larger swords as my experience revolves around Khukuri as well as Kopis.
Amazing and really helpful video. I just got the same roaring dragon sword in the mail today. Can you tell me where I can get a robe and straps like you're wearing here? That would be so helpful. I am considering buying that gale wind sword too, either between that and the silver swallow miao dao. What do you think of it? Any thoughts on the miao dao too? subbed, by the way. great videos!
When the first emperor of China [Qin Shi Huang] encountered the assassination of the famous assassin [Jing Ke] in Chinese history, because Qin Shi Huang's sword was too long and he was nervous, he did not pull out the sword for a while (this is also because most of Qin Shi Huang's swords were Reasons for ceremonial use of swords)
The narrowness also makes it look longer than it actually is to some degree - the sword here is just 1 meter in blade length, which many other swords can reach (and cultures like the Celts almost reached at around the same time, though with bendable iron swords). But apparently yes! There's archeological specimens!
They enjoyed quite good metallurgy and craftsmanship, and had come to a consensus that longer was usually better; thinking on that tends to go back and forth over time.
